BASIC is an overarching framework for applying behavioural insights to public policy from the beginning to the end of the policy cycle and is built on five stages that guide the application of behavioural insights - (Behaviour, Analysis, Strategies, Intervention, and Change)

It is developed as a repository of best practices, proof of concepts and methodological standards for behavioural insights practitioners and policymakers who have become interested in applying behavioural insights to public policy. Crucially, BASIC offers an approach to problem scoping that can be of relevance for any policymaker and practitioner when addressing a policy problem, be it behavioural or systemic.

The document provides an overview of the rationale, applicability and key tenets of BASIC. It walks practitioners through the five BASIC sequential stages with examples, and presents detailed ethical guidelines to be considered at each stage.

It has been developed by the OECD in partnership with Dr Pelle Guldborg Hansen of Roskilde University, Denmark. This version benefitted from feedback provided by the participants in the Western Cape Government – OECD Behavioural Insights Conference held in Cape Town on 27-28 September 2018.

How can I help?

Provide feedback on BASIC’s:

Usability: can you use BASIC for your work environment and policy area easily? Why? Or why not?

Relevancy: does BASIC cover the key issues/questions/challenges you face when addressing a policy problem? What is missing? Are there any additions or subtractions that would make it more relevant for your work?

Applicability: would you be able to apply BASIC to the design of a policy/intervention/regulation? If so, how? If not, what part(s) of BASIC make its application more difficult or not useful and why?

You may wish to consider these questions generally based on your experience, or apply BASIC to a policy question you are currently working on as a ‘real world’ test for BASIC.